Sept. 10, 2003

After a come-from-behind season in 2003, the Penn women's rowing program looks to build on its strong season-ending performance at the Eastern Sprints as they head into 2004. The Quakers have seen vast improvement over the past three seasons, including three top-ten finishes at the Sprints. Head Coach Barb Kirch Grudt hopes that the youth, dedication and exuberance of her team will help make them contenders in the ultra-competitive Ivy League.

"We lost three seniors in the varsity eight boat, but we will be a young and strong squad. Our expectation is to compete in the Grand Finals of Eastern Sprints in 2004," Grudt said.

Leading the Quakers in their quest will be co-captains Mary Murphy and Megan Keane. As returning letterwinners, Murphy and Keane have been instrumental parts of Penn women's rowing and have truly learned the dynamics of the team, both of which should aid them as they help the Red and Blue leave its mark in the record books.

After finishing last season with their second-consecutive eighth-place finish at the Eastern Sprints, the Quakers are aware that all drive and determination must begin on day one if they hope to improve on their best finishes since 1992. Penn looks to begin the season with strong showings in the fall racing events, especially the Head of the Charles in Boston, Mass., where they hope to break into the top ten.

"I think we need to start in September and train with the same sense of purpose as the last three weeks of the season. We would like to come back to campus fit and place in the top-ten college crews at the Head of the Charles," Grudt said.

The Red and Blue will use the fall season and winter training as a foundation for the spring.

"The whole year is geared toward improving on this spring. Placing the varsity eight in the Grand Final is a must-do goal that I believe is possible. We just can't wait until the spring to work toward our goals," Grudt said.

The Quakers will look to the experience of Penn's 14 returning letterwinners to guide a group of talented underclassmen into a highly competitive Cup racing season and their postseason goals. In addition to Murphy and Keane, senior Jessie Reich, juniors Susan Francia, Catherine Hunt and Gabriella Quadrini and sophomores Gaia Benitez, Elspeth Call, Elizabeth Denny, Teresa Fallon, Lisa Kenyon and Leland Posner are all expected to provide leadership, knowledge and experience.

This group of student-athletes also brings with them an impressive list of accolades. Last season, Benitez was a member of Penn's varsity four that qualified for the Grand Final at Eastern Sprints, while Francia was named second-team CRCA Mid-Atlantic Region, CRCA National Scholar Athlete and Academic All-Ivy. With their prior accomplishments and the experience that another season will bring, the group leading the Quakers promises a bright future.

Joining the Quakers this season are 20 freshmen who are expected to make an immediate impact on the program. With newcomers from 11 states, Kirch has brought in a diverse group of student-athletes that will provide the talent necessary to help the Penn women's rowing program move forward in the coming years.

"The program continues to move forward. This year's incoming class is the strongest yet and should play a significant role in our success," Grudt said.

Riding on the momentum from the 2003 season, the Penn women's rowing program looks to keep the level of excitement and determination high as it opens it's 2003-04 season. All incoming freshmen will have a chance to compete for seats in the varsity boats. The Red and Blue have the drive to be great and will put it all on the line in 2004.

"I am not one to forecast. We are what we are. We are in esteemed company. In women's rowing, the Ivy League is the most competitive league in the country," Grudt remarked. "But I am so excited about how the team feels. It has taken six years to get to this point. We are ready to do whatever it takes to compete in the Grand Final."

Written by Tonia Sabino